The president approved the ground incursion as early as last week and also authorized expanding it if necessary. Israeli officials threatened to seize Lebanese territory in response to heavy Hezbollah rocket barrages.
The Taleghan facility, used to develop bomb-trigger mechanisms under Project Amad, was targeted after Iran rushed to rebuild it following Operation Rising Lion.
Hezbollah stepped up its rocket fire on northern Israel in an apparent attempt to divert attention from Iran and gain leverage ahead of renewed ceasefire negotiations, Israeli political officials said, as Jerusalem warned it could respond by seizing territory in southern Lebanon.
Three Iranian sources told the New York Times that Mojtaba Khamenei suffered leg injuries on the first day of the joint Israeli-American attack that killed his father; the Iranian president's son pushed back, saying he'd confirmed Mojtaba is safe.
Officials cite growing divergence on war aims, oil-price risks, and political fallout as key concerns driving Washington's unease.
US intelligence officials estimate that dozens of naval mines have already been placed along the strategic shipping route, according to the assessments. They believe Tehran possesses between 2,000 and 6,000 naval mines and has the capability to deploy hundreds more quickly. In Washington, officials are warning that the move could threaten freedom of navigation in the waterway, through which a significant share of global oil traffic passes.
The head of Iran's National Security Council warns the US president to "watch yourself – or you'll be eliminated"; Hegseth calls Tuesday the most intense day of strikes inside Iran.
Iranian foreign minister says talks with US are off the table, citing "very bitter experience."
While residents of southern Lebanon have been pushed north of the Litani River, the reality on the ground is far from decisive. The proposed solution: a broad deployment across the area so Hezbollah cannot control key points.
Diplomatic sources in Washington and the Gulf warn that Iran's escalating attacks on regional energy facilities reflect a leadership convinced it has nothing left to lose.
